The law is an ass.
So download our stop and search bust card, print it out and stick it in your wallet:
Right Click, Save As, Print.
About the card
The card concentrates mainly on your rights under s44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which is widely used across the country against photographers. It allows the police and the Home Secretary to define any area in the country as well as a time period wherein they could stop and search any vehicle or person, and seize “articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism” without first having grounds for suspecting the person is a terrorist or is carrying any articles that might be useful to a terrorist.
It also covers other laws under which photography may be restricted in the UK.
The Law
The card is not intended to be a substitute for full legal advice, it is simply an states your rights when stopped and searched. When dealing with the police there is always a balance between your rights – not telling them anything – and what might be advisable – telling them your name and explaining what your doing.
The card has been compiled by photographers with many years experience dealing with the police and stops and searches as well as legal advice from lawyer Anna Mazzola who specialises in public law, human rights, actions against the police and other detaining authorities.
For more in depth, but not quite wallet sized, discussion about photography and UK law check out the Photo-Forum Know Your Rights video
Used the card?
Have you used our card when being stopped and searched? Is there something you think we should add? let us know in the comments below
How about compiling your own database of places where photographers, professional and otherwise, have been stopped/hassled by the authorities. No names are required, just the location. Then produce a map showing the “hotspots” around the country. This could be useful in 2 ways: 1)Anyone wanting to avoid the hassle can then decide whether they want to risk photography in a hotspot. 2)Anyone wanting to organise a protest photoshoot can choose the nearest hotspot to protest in.
This is a great idea, I think there is a way of doing this with google maps. If so, could be good for iphone users.
i think we should start a website where we can post all the pictures of places and things that are supposedly “terrorist” targets. We could call it The Terrorists Friend
You are probably guilty of an offence in trying to build up a map of hotspots. Obviously those are places considered to be of interest to potential terrorists.
I like the idea of protest photoshoots ….not only in London but around the UK.
I think one thing that could be improved on the card would be to explain, if possible, in exactly WHICH circumstances police can view pictures on a camera. At present it’s open to them to lie about that.
Unless you have been charged they do not have the right to see your pictures and they certainly do not have the right to delete them.
Hi All,
This is also a useful page to print out and keep in your bag, better still it is straight from the horses mouth! Harder for them to argue with on the scene!
http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm
It might also answer Tony Green’s questions.
Regards,
James
I film quite a bit in central London, mostly comedy with a friend. Had one experience with a city of London copper in the summer, but I was sprawled across a side entrance of a large bank at the time. I think it was fair enough he asked us what we were doing even if anyone could tell my mate was acting in front of the camera (do terrorists do acting?). But given our response he let us continue with no hassles.
Am a bit worried as I intend to be in the city tomorrow, xmas day, filming; taking advantage of the emptiness.. If I get stopped I’ll refer them to this comment and let you know if I get hassled… Filming/photography must not be allowed to be criminalized in this country, so I’m glad to see this forum existing otherwise the prisons will be full of cameramen/women!
I like the idea of protest photoshoots ….not only in London but around the world
I also think that major railway stations should also be targeted by photographic flashmobs. Railway enthusiasts have shared the brunt of jobsworth railway employees stopping them photographing trains for goodness sake. Recently one railway jobsworth even tried to arrogantly stop hundreds of enthusiasts from taking photos of the new steam loco. Tornado newly arrived at Kings Cross.
You’re assuming that when you show this to the PCO he/she can actually read English.
good guzel site
[...] we’re on the subject, you might also want to grab the excellent ‘Bust Card‘ (pdf) that the group produce and keep a printed copy of it with you for when you find [...]
Today in Dorchester, Dorset, I approached two PCSOs and asked if they were interested in my taking photographs in the street. They said that if I did not upset anyone it was fine. Good enough.
They did not mention the risk of terrorism. I did.
They responded in what I considered a sensible and measured manner – just as I have heard some senior police officers suggest.
Make what you like of that but I was impressed – true professional behaviour.
does this rule apply in INDIA also, kindly let me know as am new to this field(photography)
I went backpacking last year and never had this problem taking photos especially in America, which is possibly one of the most paranoid country in the world. So if it’s not an issue there why is it such a problem in the UK?
I’ve had the misfortune of being stopped by security guards for taking photos in London, and from the outset I was treated like a criminal and told to move on even though I was on public property.
Wish I’d been a bit more confident and kicked up a fuss.
You didn’t have a problem in the US, because we still have our Bill of Rights, the first amendment states that the citizens have Freedom of Press, Freedom of Speech, etc. I daresay Obama will be in deep trouble if he tries to do away with our Constitution!
While the world has changed and terrorists pose a terrible risk to us all- Common sense must prevail!
Don’t worry about Obama, Bush and Cheney have done more damage to the Constitution that I would have imagined possible. Obama’s biggest sin is not pushing to have them tried for treason because it institutionalizes their crimes as policy.
Have saved this card, so thanks for that, no doubts ill get stopped by babylon when out on location with a beautiful model.
Rob Alexander Photography
Excellent initiative which I hope will grow to be worldwide. Congratulations to to everyone involved.
Beware of taking photos around London’s Docklands – We had a security goon order my friend and myself to stop taking photos last January, as it was “Private Property”.
We pointed out i) There were no signs saying it was private property, ii) There were no signs saying “No Photography” and iii) What was he going to do about the Japanese tourists taking photos at which point he realised he was outnumbered so stomped off to scare the living daylights out of a poor Japanese girl who barely spoke English!
Putting the funny side to one side, this demonstrates the mentality of what we’re all facing!
This is a good resource. An update regarding the ‘section 76′ stuff would be useful though.
I can’t be at the gathering today but wish to support resistance to the police overstepping their powers.
Norman Smith
Is there an official petition setup which relates to this website?
From http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm
“The Terrorism Act 2000 does NOT prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place. ”
(ny capitals)
I notice the Bust Card says the poilice cannot view our pictures unless we have been arrested while the Metropolitan Police advice to their officer is that they can as long as you are not a professional.
Who is correct?
Had plenty of trouble from security guards!. None from police so far… But I’m working on it.
I take quite a lot of photographs on railway stations but have become wary and now avoid doing so if I see police or railway staff present. Also recently noticed an extreme lack of proper trainspotters on stations.
As Robin above: would like to know if police can look at your images if not professional. AND what constitutes professional?
I might become involved in documenting protests against the badger cull; the police have already been taking names and addresses of people handing out leaflets (in places where they have permission to have a stand) and visiting their homes…
If I wanted to know about public buildings would be much easier to go to google earth to start with…
I have been stopped 5 times this year! and twice surrounded. I am disabled which does not help the problem. I take photographs as a hobby or something to do whilst I travel from Hospital to hospital or doctors, I find it very disconcerting and frightening when you are being honest and just taking photographs, I am on high amounts of medication for my condition ( legal medication) and am drugged out sometimes – not feeling like the normal person! Frights like these, make my voice go into fright mode, cause shaking – as if I was guilty and probably sometimes look drugged out!
Any help with a Card I will use! thank you for this information! as I always give them all my details!!! and I am not sure what they do with them? Please continue the great work.
After an hour of hassle free taking pictures with camera on tripod opposite Westminster Parliament, I moved under the bridge east to take pictures of the London Eye. I was stopped and told this is private land, I could take pictures, but not with a tripod. Did not get an answer as to who owned the land between Westminster Bridge and the London Eye. But was told “professional” photography was not allowed = tripod use?
As per the tripod question (#26), photographers in Toronto Canada run into the same issue and the common reason for not being able to use a tripod in certain locations is a matter of insurance an liability. Having a tripod in a public area with the potential for high traffic can create a tripping hazard and so even though we’re allowed to take pictures, we’re not allowed to use a tripod. Sometimes if you get a permit and they know that you have proper insurance, you’re allowed to use one, but its hard to get.
(they’re even more strict about it on private property for the same reasons– they don’t want to be involved if someone trips)
What about monopods? Or the little Gorrilapods?
I find it ironic that in the UK, which has more cameras watching private citizens than any other (and thats saying alot), a private citizen would have an issue using cameras of thier own.
It would seem to me that if everyone is afraid, then the terrorists have already acheived what they wanted to acheive.
“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering” -Yoda (SWe:I)
[...] in der Stadt bin, habe eine Kamera dabei. Allerdings habe ich jetzt auch vorsichtshalber immer ein kleines Kärtchen dabei, auf der „meine Rechte“ aufgelistet sind, sollte einer dieser übereifrigen [...]
I was recently bullied on the South Bank of the thames on the county hall quay side. A burly (Polish, sic) security guard told me I couldnt take photos of the river and houses of parliment. I explained the irony that he was now at work in my country because my Grandfather died in ww2 liberating his country,to give us the freedom to take photos of the place where most of the laws were passed. As already mentioned above, isnt it sad that in a country that has HALF of the worlds CCTV cameras, Its citizens are told that we cant take photos.
Anyone for a fight.!! Isnt it about time we stood up and told them that they actually work for US !!! Meaning the people of the UNITED KINGDOM NOT THE F(&^*ING UNITED STATES
@TerryB
I wasn’t aware that Poland was liberated by the Allies in WWII. I must have read the wrong history books…
Discussing WW2 is relevant. WW2 was planned, started and orchestrated by Britsh US aristocracy now in control of the western military-industrial complex.
It was done for a number of reasons. To push money into military manufacturing (owned by the same people) and to justify further taxation. But mainly, to justify the “necessity for” forming the ground work of a global government in the form of the UN and EU.
The Nazi’s and Hitler’s rise to power was funded by British-US aristocracy. Major backing was provided through the Union Banking Corp and orchestrated by among others, Prescott Bush (George W Bush’s grandfather). He was prosecuted for it it. Its all in public records.
The German people were tricked into allowing the war by false flag operations such as the “terrorist attack” on the Reichstag. The same people used the same trick with the Gulf of Tonkin incident to rally public support for Vietnam (released official documents and tapes prove this was now the case) and again with the WTC attacks on 9/11 and London attacks of 7/7.
The tactic (the global finanical crisis) are being used now to bring in a one world bank and financial system.
No one died in the war to save freedom. They were just manipulated into thinking they were doing that, while in reality, they were doing the complete opposite.
Until everyone realises what is really going on and how the world really works, nothing is going to change or get better.
If anyone disputes any of this, then that’s fine. All
I ask is that you go and research it yourself, and draw your own conclusions.
:l
I am an amatuer photographer and rail enthusiast and often take photos at my local railway station. I have never been approached by railway staff and in one instance I was even helped by them to get a better position for a picture. It obviously depends where you live, in my case Shropshire.
This find was a blessing. Thank you for posting this information. Very helpful.
If I were a terrorist cell leader I would ensure that all my operatives had this “Get out of Jail” card on their persons at all times.
im new to photograhy & just came across this site by accident i can’t belive what i read its shocking, people getting stopoped for doing nothiung except enjoying them selves why dont the police stop more people with knifes & guns than camreras, i think they should do more rallys around britain not just london im all for one at newcastle upon tyne. anyone up for it?
we seriously need to put an end to this law. i will make sure i carry this card round with me
Knowing your rights and carrying them on a card is not going to prevent the harrassment of photographers by security guards or police who always think they’re doing their job by hassling photographers. The only thing that will correct this situation is suing these ignorant do-gooders in court. When they start losing money they will be re-educated in a hurry. Knowing your rights is not nearly as important as the security and police forces knowing your rights.
What if they (Police) use some other Law than s44 to stop and search, just to give us a bit more agro? What will are rights be then?
Cheers Vic
I’ve been hassled by the police in Liverpool Street Station, and just yesterday by an overzealous private security guard. Ironically, I was outside my own office, and he was at least 100 yards from his own building, so I gave him a hard time. He backed down when I told him I was perfectly happy for him to call the police if he felt that he had a real right to prevent me from taking photos in a public location.
Love the campaign, but it should say ‘I’m a photographer, not a Muslim’
The government’s failure to target the real culprit is precisely the reason they are fluffing the issue and holding us photographers as the scapegoats.
But PHNAT is just playing into their hands and shooting themselves in the foot by their similar politically correct refusal to mention the ‘M’ word.
If any of PHNAT’s courageous photojournalists really had a pair of balls, and a true love of freedom, they’d walk through a few Muslim neighbourhoods waving their ‘I’m a photographer, not a terrorist’ banners and snapping happily for the cause of art and freedom of the press. Let’s see that, shall we?
Our government is pretty crappy, but it’s not our real enemy. Islam is, as you’d soon discover and have to admit if you attempted the above.
Wake up, people!
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article7050481.ece
I think the campaign is just what’s needed, having been questionned by various people for years about intentions when taking photo’s of even the most inocuous things. Naturally, there need to be some safeguards, as with photo’s of kids, but there is a point where it all just becomes paranoia and an opportunity for state control. I’m currently studying a Masters in Anthroplogy and would like to do a porject that examines the issue, to this end, I would lkike to interview/gain comments and take some photo’s of those who feel restricted. I don’t need to take names or show faces in the pictures, thinking of photographing everyone with their cameras over their faces. The material will only appear in my project and be viewed by examiners and colleagues at college, umless participants are happy for it to go further. I really need your help though as we don’t have another demo coming up and I need to get it in by the end of April. I can be contacted on traveltot@yahoo.co.uk and would really appreciate your help,
Cheers, Becky
Have just stumbled across this site. I photograph a lot in London as an enthusiastic amateur but have not been stopped as yet. I’ll bookmark this site and post when I eventually do.
Some comments on previous posts though: Photographing on railway stations is not the same as photographing in public. It’s private property for which you need permission to film/photo on. If you have a specific need to take photos at a station then writing for permission to take photos can yield permission so its worth trying and once you’ve shown the permission letter the Transport Police will let you be.
There are some parts of London that you can’t take photos. Some ‘estates’ in the City can be difficult. Seemingly seperate buildings can sit on the same single piece of private land, Fleet Place near the Old Bailey forinstance has 3 building with apparent public thoroughfare between them. In these cases if you’re on that land it is reasonable for security guards to quiz you or ask you to leave as you’re on their property.
Also some by-laws prevent photographic and filming “professionally” at particular locations. Trafalgar Square being one that comes to mind; the London Eye is another although the latter only applies at night as far as I am aware.
Finally I think the idea of a shared map to plot places where you’ve been nabbed taking photos is a great idea and something that Google maps would allow quite easily. I have set up a similar map where sufferers of a particualrly rare blood disorder can plot their global position to help establish local shared support between each other and it was quite painless.
Once the map is set up it could be embedded in this site. Instructions for my map are below and the same would work for a photographer map so long as whoever creates it shares the URL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0n6QnG-Q8Y
There’s an error in the About text – “Across the country it that seems…” should be “Across the country it seems that…”
With the possible change of government in Britain, we may see a less hysterical attitude towards photography; perhaps a new government might even accept the decision of the European Court that section 44 ‘stop and search’ is unlawful. LibDems at least are quite keen on civil liberty.
Or is it ‘whoever you vote for, the government wins’?
The stories I read about this never cease to amaze me, I have never been stopped, probably because I am in a wheelchair and that might be pushing it too far (excuse the pun). I have been told at events that no photography is allowed, however people are snapping away with compacts, it seems that if you have a proper photography kit you are targeted!
Hi
What is public property ie what does district or county council land consitute? What about public footpaths over private land?
Any ideas
Thanks
I had the joys of being stopped today. I had my camera in hand but not on. I was obviously acting suspicious as i was standing looking up at the train timetable screen in marylebone trying to locate my next train home ! As i moved away a rather agressive lady stopped me and told e i couldnt photograph here, and certianly not railway time boards as it could be seen to be a terrorist activity (not that iwould dream of using the internet or god forbid a timetable from the ticket office) Anyway after claiming to be an off duty officer i was quoted sec 43/44 at her and the stance of network rail on this, to be told i wasnt even allowed to have the camera in hand and it should be out of site at all times at locations like this. At which point a concerned lady plus BRT officer turned up and said i was free to photograph here if i liked. Conversation ended pretty abruptly then after comments like would i be prepared to stand in court and say i wasnt photographing the timetable board (why in heavens name would i anyway) and she dissappeared, a bit peeved i think at not frightening me off. Moral here i think is know your rights, stay calm and coherent, and hope that eventually common sense pervades the over officious paranoid zealots that seem to be working on our behalf for the greater good.
Lets hope the new govnt has a bit more common sense than the nannying state idealists that went before
I have been stopped and questioned on a few occasions. Maybe we should all telephone our local police stations to ask permission to go out and take photographs.
I haven’t read through the comments by others, will do so in a mo. In the meantime, there is something which is obvious and for all the world to see. It is called Institutional Corruptness. The UK Police are highly corrupted, their number includes hundreds of officers who will harass, threaten and claim powers which they do not have. They will lie and cover up their corruptness and they can confidently rely on their higher ranked officers to back up their corruptness with standard replies to any questioning about any event. The question is why are they targeting photographers. The answer is: Because we keep capturing them committing crimes, everything from low level corruption – right through to the killing of innocent civilians. Ian Tomlinson of course would have been labelled a trouble causing rioter if the corruption that pervades the UK Police lines was to be believed. But what can be done…? We keep on doing our lawful duty, we continue to take the shots, make the recording and bring these incidents to the attention of the people. In this way, we demonstrate that the Police are stupid, stupid enough to recruit from the most stupid people in our society and stupid enough to not realise that without the will of the people they are nothing. That will is running out as more and more people are effected by their corruption, they are becoming cornered an endangered species, a minority oppressing power who will go the same way of those greater examples before them. Let’s face it, whatever the replacement is – it couldn’t be worse than corrupt MP’s leading corrupt abusers of power.
I had an interesting experience earlier this year. I was preparing for a lecture on Lutyens and his fellow architects, and stopping my car for about 30 seconds in Horseguards Parade, got out and took a photograph of the war memorial there. A PCSO came up to me and asked what I was doing, rang through to check my car/drivers details etc. and took details of me/my address. Fair enough.
A week later, I get home to find a hand written envelope and note inside asking me to contact a certain DC Morris and a telephone central London number for me to ring. I should at this stage say that I live in Twickenham, on the outskirts of London. This I duly did. The police officer asked what I had been doing at Horseguards Parade and went on to ask me a number of questions including who I was giving my lecture to, proof of this lecture, and the website of the organisation to whom I was giving the lecture.
What, when I thought about it, really unnerved me, was that a police officer had taken the trouble to go out all the way to my home in Twickenham and that notwithstanding the details I had given to the PCSO, obviously treated me as potentially up to no good.
I should say that I am white, middle aged, middle class with a plummy accent, and work (as per the details I provided to the PCSO) as a director for a blue chip up-market property company – so quite clearly an obvious terrorist suspect to be treated with extreme suspicion!!
Detained by REOs on Southeastern for refusing to delete pictures.
More details here:
http://youve-been-cromwelled.org/?p=1079